Re- Chroming vs. New Parts

Post by **bloodyank** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:14 pm

I'm sure it depends to a great deal on the part in question, but is there a rule of thumb, or a dollar number at which it's better to have a given part re-chromed or to buy new?
Thanks-
Dave

Post by **bigginger** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:17 pm

As I said in the other place

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:58 pm

Availablity of good new parts - availablity of good rechroming near you - and condition of the part to be re-chromed all come into it! For most Minor parts i would say new parts are pretty much available - however the chroming may not be as good as original parts and they will need 'looking after' !

Post by **aupickup** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 6:10 pm

new repro chrome parts are absolute rubbish and they dont fit very well either

best to have original parts re chromed, at least then you know they fit

Post by **Willie** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:44 pm

Chromium plate is porous therefore what is underneath it is vitally important. The original items were of reasonable quality but most of the modern stuff is not! Good chrome has a layer of nickel underneath it I
believe and the very best would be on Brass. (no chance these days).
I have used modern chromed MG grills and they go rusty within 3 months. The plating on my replacement Minor bumper blades started to peel off too so, if possible, use original old stock.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:54 pm

I had new rear bumpers for my Traveller about 6 years ago from BM. I keep them well covered in 'rub on' wax polish - and they are fine !

Post by **youngun** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:43 pm

I had the same problem when restoring my Yamaha last year, i did an experiment where i bought a reproduction rear mudguard (not a cheap one at that) and had the front one re-chromed. The front one was copper plated then chromed. After 6 months of daily useage, the repro rear one was shot to hell, the spot welds had also unwelded themselves......the rechromed one was still spotless!

Post by dp » Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:59 pm

Wouldn't quite look as original but I wonder if one of the manufacturers would consider bunging some stainless steel in the pressings of, for example, bumper blades.

Post by **MARKH** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:46 pm

SAME OLD STORY. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
IF YOU START OFF WITH GOOD METAL, YOU HAVE IT PROPERLY TREATED AND PLATED THEN YOU HAVE A GOOD RESULT.
IF YOU START OFF WITH ****, HAVE IT TREATED LIKE ****, THEN YOU GET ****, IT'L LOOK GREAT FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, THEN IT'LL LOOK LIKE **** AGAIN.
BEEN THERE....DONE IT....LEARNED A LESSON.

Post by **Vikki** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 7:02 pm

what wax polish do you use on them? is it generic stuff? ive just invested in new chrome... well everything, i didnt know chrome pitted so fast i thought id get ten years or so out of it. yes i am totally clueless!!! (my mogs my first car, can you tell?) would like to keep my car looking shiny for as long as pos.

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:44 am

Hi Vikki just use a good quality wax polish on the chrome and repeat often dont use a chrome polish as they tend to be abrasive and dont use the minute waxes as they are just a quick treatment and dont last. If you haven't fitted it yet also treat the rear of bumbers and overriders (where you dont normally see) with a galvanising paint or similar, I just hope you got the better quality chrome rather than the cheapest.

Post by **aupickup** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:28 pm

wax is a good idea , but make sure it contains bees wax